Dental implants are famous for replacing missing teeth because of their high success rates and natural look. However, difficulties can occur like with any other dental procedure. One of the most common questions patients have is whether a broken dental implant can be repaired.
At Gorgeous Smiles, we understand the significance of having a healthy and effective smile. We are, thus, available to address any of your inquiries on damaged dental implants. So, if you are in this circumstance, don't panic; keep reading to learn about your possibilities.
Dental implants are constructed of titanium, a sturdy and biocompatible material that integrates with the jawbone. The implant is placed in the jawbone and fuses with the bone over time, creating a strong foundation for the artificial tooth.
However, several factors can lead to a broken dental implant:
A critical factor that contributes to the structural integrity of a dental implant is the quantity and quality of bone in the jaw. If there's inadequate bone support, the implant lacks a solid foundation. This potentially leads to damage or breakage.
Dental health practices can influence bone support. Poor dental hygiene can induce gum disease, which can contribute to bone loss. Also, bone resorption, the normal process of losing bone after a tooth is pulled, could lower bone density.
Applying excessive force and pressure on an implant can also lead to breakage. This is often a result of bruxism (teeth grinding) or chewing hard foods. These actions can exert undue stress on the implant, causing it to fracture or break completely.
Regular high-impact activities may also contribute to dental implant breaks. However, the risk of damaging your dental implant can be reduced with adequate care, proper oral hygiene, and habits. This includes avoiding chewing hard foods or ice and employing a night guard if you grind your teeth.
In some cases, poor osseointegration could be the culprit behind a broken dental implant. Osseointegration refers to the procedure of the implant fusing with the jawbone. This fusion is critical for the implant's stability and functionality.
When this doesn't happen correctly, the implant remains loose and is susceptible to breakage. Inadequate bone support, poor oral hygiene, or certain health conditions can hinder osseointegration. Also, remember that healthy jawbone tissue supports natural teeth.
Peri implantitis is another risk factor for dental implant breakage. This bacterial infection, if untreated, can cause gum inflammation and bone loss around the dental implant. The infection can present discomfort swelling and soreness around the implant area.
This destabilises the implant and puts it at a greater risk of breakage. Strong oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are the best defences against peri-implantitis. This way, any warning signs can be detected and adequately addressed in their early stages.
Occasionally, dental implants can break due to material issues or structural failures. These may include manufacturing defects, poor fitting, or an implant not designed for the specific forces in a patient's mouth.
Moreover, if the implants fixed improperly, it could lead to mechanical failures. Regular dental checkups ensure that these issues can be spotted early and rectified. Remember that the chances of an implant breaking are very low if it is properly set and you take good care of your teeth.
Yes, a broken dental implant can be fixed. However, the repair method depends significantly on the nature and extent of the damage. Dental implants are typically durable and created to withstand the daily severities of chewing and biting.
However, like any other dental fixture, they can break or fracture due to the abovementioned factors or accidents. When this happens, it's crucial to see your dentist immediately to check the situation and plan the necessary steps to fix the broken implant.
If your dental implant has broken, the treatment plan will depend on how severe the damage is. Some of the options for fixing a broken titanium implant include:
Often, when people say their "implant" is broken, it's not the implant (a titanium screw fused with the jawbone) but the crown (the artificial tooth attached to the implant) that has cracked or broken. The good news is that the crown can be replaced without disturbing the implant.
Your dentist will replace the damaged crown with a new one crafted to match your other teeth. Although the process needs precision, it's usually straightforward and doesn't cause discomfort. So, if your crown cracks or breaks, don't panic - it's usually a fixable problem.
Sometimes, the screw connecting the crown to the implant may become damaged or loose. This could be caused by high biting pressures or normal wear and tear. If the screw is broken, your dentist can unscrew it and replace it with a new one.
However, removing and replacing the screw could damage the implant. Thus, this circumstance demands careful consideration. It's also worth mentioning that this problem is less common in other implants. This includes bridge implants due to their different structural designs.
In severe circumstances, a bone graft may be needed to support the implant if the jawbone is compromised. Bone grafting involves transplanting bone tissue, encouraging new bone growth, and providing added stability.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will execute this process, which takes months for the graft to fuse with the existing bone. A replacement implant can be inserted once the region has healed and the graft is secure. This option is more complex and time-consuming, but it may suit some.
The implant must be removed and replaced if it is broken or damaged beyond repair. This involves surgical extraction of the failed implant and a healing period for the gum and bone tissue. Afterwards, a new implant can be placed.
Keep in mind that the success of the new implant is dependent on adequate oral cleanliness and regular dental checkups to monitor its success. This treatment is more involved and time-consuming, but it is frequently the best option when the implant is severely damaged.
While dental implants are generally very durable, proper care is essential to prevent potential damage. Some advice for maintaining your dental implants includes:
Maintain good oral hygiene: If you don't brush and floss daily, plaque can build up and lead to gum disease and peri-implantitis. Use a soft bristled brush and non abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the implant or crown.
Regular dental checkups: Even with dental implants, seeing your dentist is crucial. Dentists can find problems early on with regular checkups, which makes tooth implants last longer.
Avoid hard foods: Chewing on ice, hard candy, or utilising your teeth to open packaging can harm dental implants. Avoid these habits to maintain the integrity of your implants.
Don't smoke or use tobacco: Smoking and tobacco use can lead to dental implant failure by weakening the bone structure. If you're a smoker, try to quit or reduce your usage to improve the success rate of your dental implant.
Avoid grinding and clenching your teeth: This can put excess pressure on your dental implant, leading to possible damage. Talk to your dentist about solutions like a night guard if you have teeth-grinding or clenching issues, especially during sleep.
While dental implants are invented to be durable, they are not invincible. Proper maintenance reduces the chances of a dental implant breaking significantly. Even if an implant does break, several remedies are possible depending on the damage's severity.
Remember that prompt, expert action is critical; thus, regular dental checkups are vital. Take good care of your smile because it is an important identity element. We hope this article has given you useful information regarding repairing broken dental implants.
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